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Spyware, viruses, & security : Anyone upset about IOLO:System Mechanic Pro's new policy?
Anyone upset about IOLO:System Mechanic Pro's new policy?
by Krackcode - 1/29/08 3:23 PMI bought version System Mechanic Pro version 6 and I really liked it. I like it so much, that I went and upgraded to the Pro version 7, only to have Iolo, change their policy without even notifying subscribed customers!!!
This just totally sickens me and amazes me that companies can get away with crap like this. In short, what they have done, it taken the lifespan of the actual product you purchase off the shelf, and reduced it down to one calender year. In other words: unless you pony up for another year, you lose the service!
I NEVER would have even purchased this program, had I known that critical information before going in. It'd certainly be nice if CNET took a step and banned Iolo from hosting product updates here anymore. Any kind of company that practices such treachery and outright subversion, should not be allowed on such a reputable site such as CNET and/or Download.com.
More proof for the pudding....
by Krackcode - 1/29/08 3:30 PM In reply to: Anyone upset about IOLO:System Mechanic Pro's new policy? by KrackcodeHere is Iolo's "official" description of the product, *take note that NO WHERE does it specify any limitations to the products limited lifespan of one year.* BUYERS BEWARE!
"* License:Free to try; $69.95 to buy (Buy it now)
* Average User Rating:
(out of 113 votes) Rate it!
* Downloads: 375,347
* Requirements: Windows 2000/XP/Vista
* Limitations: 30-day trial
* Date Added:January 23, 2008
This download is on your Watch List
Publisher's description of System Mechanic Professional
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From iolo Technologies:
CNET Trusts
iolo Technologies
http://www.iolo.com
McAfee has tested this site and found no significant problems.
More info...
Download SiteAdvisor Plus trial
Make your old computer run like new. Keep your new computer running fast and problem-free. System Mechanic Pro repairs drive and registry errors, stabilizes your computer, speeds up your Internet connection, scrubs sensitive data, and defends against malware and intruders. Without regular "tune ups," all computers slow down with use. Junk files accumulate on your system. Fragmented drives, cluttered registries, and driver conflicts degrade PC performance, leading to system crashes and freezes. System Mechanic Pro combines 6 powerful products to maintain your PC and maintain in peak condition, offering total PC care and security in a single integrated package. System Mechanic Pro runs automatically, intelligently cleaning and tuning your entire computer. Or you can launch select tools in the software whenever you think your system may need a boost. A licensed version of System Mechanic Pro can be installed on up to 3 computers. Version 7.5.6.7 includes unspecified updates."
Version# 7.5.6.7 UNSPECIFIED UPDATES would be installing a ticking time bomb, to kill your product after one year...
They have also, for a couple of years now, been very upfront
by Edward ODaniel - 1/29/08 6:23 PM In reply to: More proof for the pudding.... by Krackcodeabout the license to use system Mechanic being a 12 month venture.
Automatic Subscription Renewal
If you choose to automatically renew your subscription, the credit card used at the time of purchase will be charged the renewal fee indicated on your invoice. The first renewal fee will be charged after the initial subscription period completes (normally after 12 months). Thereafter, the renewal fee will be charged at the start of each subscription period, unless you cancel the automatic subscription renewal prior to the start of the relevant period. You may cancel the automatic subscription renewal by contacting the Customer Service Department at www.iolo.com/customercare. iolo technologies reserves the right to change the renewal price at any time, upon reasonable advance notice communicated to you through a posting on this Web site or through electronic mail.
You are free to use the link they provide to voice your concerns/complaints www.iolo.com/customercare
The download.com forum is
by roddy32
- 1/29/08 3:45 PM
In reply to: Anyone upset about IOLO:System Mechanic Pro's new policy? by Krackcode
here below. I doubt if anyone from there visits this spyware forum so they will probably never see your thread.
http://forums.cnet.com/5204-12543_102-0.html?forumID=141&tag=dir.forum
I had Computer Associates before Iolo
by Dango517 - 2/4/08 12:24 AM In reply to: Anyone upset about IOLO:System Mechanic Pro's new policy? by Krackcodeit worked that way, also. I believe all security software works that way. This isn't static software that you buy it once and it remains the same. This security software is being constantly up dated and that costs money. So they pass these cost on to you as a yearly subscription/license fee along with a few extra goodies. Bottom line..........that's how they work.
Anyone have Norton or McAfee? How do they do it?
Yearly Subscription..For Retail...
by Grif Thomas - 2/4/08 10:10 AM
In reply to: I had Computer Associates before Iolo by Dango517
Enterprise products are slightly different (there are "perpetual" products) but still, a contract is necessary for obtaining updates legally..
Hope this helps.
Grif
See these
by Dango517 - 2/4/08 12:04 PM In reply to: I had Computer Associates before Iolo by Dango517Norton:
http://www.symantec.com/norton/products/overview.jsp?pcid=os&pvid=n3601
See first line under features.
McAfee:
http://us.mcafee.com/root/package.asp?pkgid=275&cid=24809
Note one year subscription on pricing information.
Any personal experiences with these?
going back to my retail System Mechanic Pro6 box...
by Krackcode - 2/4/08 3:41 PM In reply to: See these by Dango517On my System Mechanic Pro 6 retail box, there is nothing that explains the product as a year only subscription...one would think, if they were being upfront about the product, then it would be on the box. That is my major beef with it all.
Perhaps it may have said something in the EULA, but i don't think it did for version 6. Again, the first time I ever even saw or knew that my "yearly subscription" was about to expire, was when, after an "Important" update, I then got the message that my annual subscription would expire in 7 days.
So, having said that, I won't waste another dime on Iolo. I will simply use stand alone's that in many cases are free and much better at their specific job. I liked a lot about the System mechanic Pro suite, but I don't like being mislead when I buy something.
The Mech7 box says
by Dango517 - 2/4/08 6:24 PM In reply to: going back to my retail System Mechanic Pro6 box... by Krackcode"Protects and repairs 3 PCs for one year". I do not have my Mech6 box. The items above (post 7) will cost you more. Yes, you can get them for free but you'll have to run them all separately and this will require more of your time and then you'll only be doing the basics. To run the 50+ (I've counter them) plus features Iolo provides would take hours if run separately. You know this.
The big question you might wish to consider is why we have to buy software to make us safe on line or fix software we've purchased? All of this should be included in the OS. We should not have to buy anything. Here in, lies the rub. I understand your frustration. You know what they would say, "It is unnecessary". We know better, don't we?
I'm not really defending them but I do know this approach appears to be the easiest and cheapest solution that I've come up with to date. If I could do it cheaper and better some other way I would.
I've you change your mind don't forget the 30% off coupon in every box. 
Maybe I should get a job with them. 
This is not an ad; I simple use and still, for the time being, recommend this software. At this moment I have a sinking feeling I've become there willing prisoner. 
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